Andrew Peterson Books in Order

Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start

For readers diving into the action-packed world of Andrew Peterson, the best starting point is the very first novel, First to Kill. The series follows a continuous character arc, detailing the physical recovery, emotional healing, and operational evolution of the protagonist, Nathan McBride, and his partner, Harvey Fontana. Reading the books in order allows you to fully appreciate the developing relationships, the lingering trauma of Nathan's past, and the escalating stakes of their security missions.

The Nathan McBride Series in order

1. First to Kill (2008): The debut thriller introduces Nathan McBride, a former Marine scout sniper and CIA operations officer. Pulled out of his private life, Nathan is tasked by the director of the FBI to locate a missing federal agent and recover a massive cache of stolen plastic explosives before they can be used in a devastating terrorist attack.
2. Forced to Kill (2009): Personal nightmares resurface when a mutilated body is found in a Utah lake, bearing the hallmark torture methods of Montez de Oca—the sadistic Nicaraguan interrogator who captured and brutally tortured Nathan years prior. Driven by a mix of duty and revenge, Nathan goes on the hunt to eliminate his former tormentor on American soil.
3. Option to Kill (2012): When a close friend is murdered, Nathan takes on the responsibility of protecting the man's young daughter, Lauren. This protective role pits Nathan and Harv against a ruthless cartel, highlighting a more compassionate, paternal side to Nathan's intense personality.
4. Ready to Kill (2014): Nathan and Harv are hired by a wealthy businessman to find and rescue his missing daughter. The investigation leads them into a complex web of human trafficking and organized crime, requiring precise tactical planning and execution to bring the girl home alive.
5. Contract to Kill (2015): The duo is contracted to protect a brilliant programmer who has developed a potentially catastrophic cyber-weapon capable of disabling the country's power grid. When foreign mercenaries target the programmer, Nathan must employ all his tradecraft to keep his client safe.
6. Right to Kill (2016): A high-profile assassination leads to Nathan's mentor being framed for the crime. Operating completely off the grid and without government backing, Nathan and Harv must expose a massive conspiracy that reaches into the upper echelons of political power.
7. Hired to Kill (2018): In this fast-paced mission, Nathan and Harv are hired for a desperate rescue operation. They must locate a kidnapped child in a race against time, showcasing the peak of their tactical teamwork and sniper coordination.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

There is no confusion or timeline skipping in the Nathan McBride series: the chronological order is identical to the publication order. Andrew Peterson wrote the books sequentially, with each novel taking place shortly after the events of the previous one. While there are frequent references to Nathan's past—specifically his service in the Marine Corps' 1/8 Battalion and his subsequent CIA black-ops missions—these backstory details are woven into the main narrative as memories or dialogue rather than full-length prequel chapters.

Key Characters and the Core Dynamic

The heartbeat of the series is the relationship between Nathan McBride and his best friend and partner, Harvey "Harv" Fontana. The two originally served together as a scout sniper team in the Marines, where Harv was Nathan's spotter. This deep-seated military bond transitions seamlessly into their civilian lives. After leaving the CIA, they run a private security firm together. Harv acts as the perfect foil to Nathan: he is level-headed, highly competent, and holds "veto power" over Nathan's more reckless plans, serving as his emotional anchor and tactical backup.

What to Know Before You Start

One of the defining features of Andrew Peterson's thrillers is their meticulous technical accuracy. As an NRA Master-classified High Power Rifle marksman, Peterson infuses his books with authentic firearm details, ballistics, and sniper tactics. Furthermore, his respect for the military is reflected in his writing and philanthropy; Peterson has participated in USO tours to Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan and has donated thousands of books to hospitalized veterans. As of recent updates, Peterson is in a state of semi-retirement from writing, meaning the series currently stands at seven completed books with a satisfying wrap-up and no unresolved cliffhangers.